The Coup of the High Priest: Joash Crowned King

2 Chronicles 23 offers a powerful testament to God's providence and the triumph of righteousness over evil. Despite Athaliah's attempt to extinguish David's lineage, God preserves His covenant through the boy king Joash. Led by the faithful Jehoiada, the people of Judah rise against tyranny, reinstate their rightful king, and renew their commitment to the Lord, illustrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His people and His ultimate plan of salvation.

Plotting the Overthrow (Verses 1-7)

In these verses, Jehoiada gathers around him trustworthy men, including commanders, Levites, and heads of Israelite families. He organizes a plan to place seven-year-old Joash, the rightful heir of the Davidic dynasty, on the throne. The group is strategically divided into thirds to guard the king, the temple gates, and the palace.

Joash Crowned King (Verses 8-11)

Jehoiada executes his plan. The Levites and all of Judah do as Jehoiada commanded. They protect the young king, brandishing their spears while Joash is presented with the royal crown and God's testimony. The people rejoice, and the sound resonates throughout the land.

Downfall of Athaliah (Verses 12-15)

Hearing the noise, Queen Athaliah comes to the temple and witnesses Joash being crowned. Realizing what has transpired, she tears her clothes in despair and calls for treason. Jehoiada, however, commands her to be led out of the temple and executed at the palace grounds, thus ending her tyrannical reign.

Renewal of Covenant (Verses 16-21)

The people, led by Jehoiada, renew their covenant to be the Lord's people. They destroy the temple of Baal and its altars and idols. Mattan, the priest of Baal, is killed. Finally, Jehoiada reinstates the duties of the house of the LORD under the Levitical priests. Joash is safely installed on the throne, and all the people rejoice.

In 2 Chronicles 23, a critical chapter in the history of Judah, we witness the dramatic overthrow of the wicked queen Athaliah and the ascension of the young and rightful heir Joash to the throne. The mastermind behind this critical power shift is Jehoiada, a high priest who leads a righteous rebellion to re-establish the Davidic rule and renew the covenant with the Lord.

Divine Providence
Righteous Rebellion
Faithful Leadership
Judgement of the Wicked
Coronation of a Rightful King
Covenant RenewalConspiracy to Overthrow a Tyrant
The Coronation of Joash
The Death of Athaliah
Re-establishment of the CovenantJehoiada the Priest
Joash
Athaliah
The Levites and Priests
The Princes of JudahThe Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem
The Royal Palace

1. How does Jehoiada demonstrate leadership and bravery throughout this chapter? Reflect on a situation where you have to show similar qualities.

2. In what ways does God's providence shine through in 2 Chronicles 23?

3. Why do you think Jehoiada waited until Joash was seven years old before initiating the rebellion?

4. How does the reaction of Athaliah contrast with the reaction of the people when Joash is crowned king?

5. What does the destruction of the Baal temple symbolize in the context of covenant renewal?

6. How do the actions of Jehoiada and the people align with God's will in this chapter?

7. What are some lessons modern-day believers can learn from Joash's coronation?

8. Discuss the concept of "righteous rebellion" as demonstrated in this chapter. How can this apply to current social or political issues?

9. What role does community play in this chapter and how can we apply these principles to today's church community?

10. How does the chapter reflect on the consequences of idolatry?

11. Discuss the significance of the Levites and their roles in this chapter. What can we learn from this in terms of spiritual leadership today?

12. How does the renewal of the covenant in verse 16 resonate with your personal faith journey?

13. How can we as modern believers act to "destroy" the temples of Baal in our lives?

14. Explore the importance of Joash being presented with the "testimony" (likely the laws of Moses). What can this teach us about the role of God's word in a leader's life?

15. How does 2 Chronicles 23 inspire you to stand for truth and righteousness, even in the face of potential adversity?

16. Explore the themes of judgement and mercy in 2 Chronicles 23.

17. How does the phrase "Athaliah was dead; the people of the land rejoiced" reflect on the impacts of leadership on societal wellbeing?

18. Discuss the implications of Athaliah's execution outside the "house of the LORD". What might this signify?

19. How does the narrative of 2 Chronicles 23 reinforce the idea of God's sovereignty?

20. In a world filled with various "gods" and distractions, how can we ensure to remain faithful to the one true God, as the people did in 2 Chronicles 23?